For a number of years now Don Sickler has been the arranger for numerous small groups, giving new life to the bop and post bop melodies of the fifties and sixties. “Budini” is just another great head for students of the music to play and improvise over, but in this case we are treated to the talents of Don’s arranging abilities which bring it up to a very high level of excellence in a Latin feel.

The chart includes a fully transposed score, all parts as recorded by the T.S. Monk band on the recording “The Charm” and some alternate parts for small groups with different instrumentation than the original arrangement calls for. The written line is excellent and from the “get go” the chart provides both section playing for horns and rhythm section, as well as, a very unique soli for bass and piano eight measures before letter A. The solos at letter E are open to the discretion of the director and are very playable even at this very fast tempo. There are written backgrounds for the soloists “on cue” and only compliment what is already an excellent chart.

“Bundini” is a fast moving piece that incorporates a be bop texture throughout and allows the advanced student as well as the pro a chance to enjoy jazz in a Latin texture. Make sure you have an idea of what this piece is about before you purchase it by acquiring the recording, “The Charm” by the T. S. Monk group. Even if you don’t buy the chart you will love the recording “Blue Note” #CDP0777789522Top note for trumpet is written D above high C.